May 1, 2024

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Acid Reflux Medication linked to Dementia Risk of 60-69 Age

Research Finds Link Between the Use of Acid Reflux Medication and Dementia Risk in the 60-69 Age Group



Acid Reflux Medication linked to Dementia Risk of 60-69 Age

Another large-scale study has found a correlation between proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and an increased risk of dementia, especially among individuals aged 60 to 69.

However, scientists are still not entirely clear on the reasons behind this association.

The conclusions drawn by researchers from the University Hospital of Copenhagen and Aarhus University in Denmark support earlier studies that established a connection between acid reflux medications and cognitive decline.

This extensive Danish research investigated medical data from 1,983,785 residents between the ages of 60 and 75 who regularly used PPIs from the years 2000 to 2018.

During this period, 99,384 people were diagnosed with dementia.

This data set was compared to a control group of 469,920 individuals who had never used PPIs.

 

Acid Reflux Medication linked to Dementia Risk of 60-69 Age

 

 

Overall, the incidence rate of dementia in patients who had used PPIs and were aged 60-69 at the time of diagnosis ranged from 1.25 to 1.59 compared to the control group’s rate of 1.36. However, as age increased, the risk correlation diminished. The incidence rate for dementia in the 70-79 age group (1.12) slightly rose compared to the control group, but for those aged 80-89, the rate was lower at 1.06.

Researchers noted in their study, “PPIs can cross the blood-brain barrier, and their use is associated with adverse neurological reactions such as migraines, peripheral neuropathy, hearing and vision impairment, and memory deficits. Recent research suggests that PPIs can effectively and selectively inhibit the enzyme responsible for acetylcholine neurotransmitter biosynthesis (choline acetyltransferase), potentially suppressing neuronal signal transmission in the brain.”

Although PPIs are known for inhibiting gastric acid secretion, their impact on brain function remains unclear. Scientists point out that there could be a reverse causality, where in the early stages of dementia, gastric acid secretion increases.

PPIs are commonly used to treat conditions such as peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and the number of adults over 40 using PPIs has increased globally over the past two decades.

Researchers stated, “The association between PPI use and dementia is most pronounced in the youngest dementia cases, possibly indicating a critical exposure window where the impact of PPI use on dementia risk is more significant in midlife than in late life.”

While this study has limitations, scientists emphasize the importance of highlighting vulnerabilities in certain age groups for future research and potential medical interventions among those at the highest risk.

They concluded, “Further research is necessary to determine whether these findings represent a causal effect of PPIs on dementia risk.”

This study was published in the Alzheimer’s Association journal.

 

Research Finds Link Between the Use of Acid Reflux Medication and Dementia Risk in the 60-69 Age Group

(source:internet, reference only)


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